Publisher: Speak
Publication date: May 2009
ISBN: 9780142414378
Source: Library
Aerin comes to Academy 7 almost by a lucky chance. Running from a past she wishes to forget, she throws herself into the rigorous curriculum of this elite school. Her only competition for the top spot is Dane, a rich and famous boy with a bit too much arrogance. They strike up a kind of friendship based on hours of time forced to spend together, and begin to learn they both have secrets they're hiding. But, what they discover is a secret much bigger than just the two of them.
Things I Liked:
I thought this was a fairly interesting book. I liked the different setting from most YA fantasy romances today. A little sci-fi thrown in added a bit of novelty to the story. I also liked the story of their parents and the history they were trying to figure out. The romance was not one of those love-at-first-sight things, which was also pretty refreshing. The plot kept things moving, even when I wasn't as interested in the characters.
Things I Didn't Like:
I was a bit disappointed in some of the sci-fi elements. I kept wondering about why they had textbooks and not e-books or something. The details were very vague, so I think it will appeal more to those new to sci-fi than hardcore fans. It seemed to not have enough information about the world and the characters - I kept waiting for more descriptions or details, but not getting enough. It makes the story a bit forgettable and the characters a bit flat. I do remember thinking I was more interested in Dane and Aerin's parents' stories than in the kids. I wish I'd been able to know more about them.
Read-alikes:
Maybe Across the Universe by Beth Revis
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
just some kissing
v-factor: ->
a few minor incidents, nothing really described
Overall rating: ***
Maybe I read too much, but I've really forgotten most everything about this book. Please tell me this happens to you guys?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage